I also think asking them to share their goals for their future helps me zero in on what I can help them with.
Not everyone in my classes have the same goals, and some don't know of other job options they have with the degree they are studing for.
Talking about what they hope to do in the future is a real ice breaker.
I do this as well. Since the class is farther along in the program, and the students are about to go on externship, I try to find out what type of restaurant experience they have had (if any), so I can try to get them acclimated to what they need to know for their externship.
I also use this opportunity to explain to them my credentials etc. since I look much younger than I am- some of them need that reassurance.
The first day I introduce myself and give a short background of my exprienece, then ask students to introduce themselves. They are asked to state why they are in this program, if they have any family members in this profession.
Ooh... I like that! I will sometimes do a quiz about myself to teach about perceptions of people. It also gives them an opportunity to learn a thing or two about me!
Regena,
I have also used this question as an ice breaker in the past. Interestingly, we found that the student that commuted from the farthest distance (about 35 miles), generally arrived to class earlier than the other students. It served as "indirect motivation" for the students that commuted from shorter distances.
Tremayne Simpson
I also like to break the ice with my students and try to make them feel safe. I start out by asking who commutes the fartherest and we go from there. The other students may chime in and comment on how glad they are that they do not have to drive that far.Then we get around to names and such.
Lacey,
I believe that this is an important student inquiry. Asking them this question will enable them to think about the importance of the course and understand how the class will assist in providing them with skills for their future career.
Tremayne Simpson
Lacey,
I believe that this is an important student inquiry. Asking them this question will enable them to think about the importance of the course and understand how the class will assist in providing them with skills for their future career.
Tremayne Simpson
I also like to know why there are here and what brought them to this point.
Phillip,
This sounds like a great first day activity. Assuming that you have upper-level classes, do you have students that are interested in talking about how they have "grown" since being in their program of study?
Tremayne Simpson
I do a first day intro as well, and like others my students often have been together for a while, so they're familiar with one another. I take time to talk about who I am and what I want to help them learn and why I can help them. Since I've had extensive hands on experience with the subject matter I teach, I've got a lot of things to share that my students often are interested in. My first day usually results in a good class with most students that truly want to be there and learn.
In my classroom setting, the students have been together for several terms and know who they are and what there interest might be. I offer an introduction related to my education, length of time teaching, credentials; as well as, my interest and hobbies.
I also do the first day icebreaker. Additionally, I have the students discuss why they chose this program/career.
BRUCE,
I have also used this activity as a first day icebreaker. Sometimes I allow the students to use their "perception" to answer these questions for a classmate and provide the answers to the class. Of course I allow the student to let the class know if the classmate was correct in their assumptions. Overall it is a great activity, that is used to remind all students that their general perceptions of others may be incorrect.
Tremayne Simpson
